WhatsApp has become one of the most widely used communication platforms for families, businesses, community groups and organisations. We use it to communicate with customers, colleagues, friends and family, share documents, make calls and sometimes even conduct business. But with its popularity comes a growing security risk: WhatsApp account hijacking.
WhatsApp hijacking occurs when a scammer gains control of your WhatsApp account and prevents you from accessing it. Once inside, they can impersonate you, contact your friends and family, target your business contacts, request money, spread scams or attempt to compromise other accounts.
The good news is that many WhatsApp takeovers can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.
What is WhatsApp hijacking?
WhatsApp hijacking is when someone gains unauthorised access to your WhatsApp account.
One of the most common methods involves the scammer convincing you to provide the six-digit WhatsApp verification code that is sent to your phone number.
For example, you might receive an SMS containing a WhatsApp registration code. Shortly afterwards, someone contacts you claiming to be a friend, colleague, group administrator or even WhatsApp support.
They may say:
“I accidentally sent the code to your number. Can you send it back to me?” If you give them the code, you may unknowingly be handing over access to your WhatsApp account.
How Do Scammers Hijack WhatsApp Accounts?
1. Social Engineering
Social engineering is one of the biggest threats. Instead of technically hacking your phone, scammers manipulate you into giving them the information they need.
They may pretend to be:
- A friend or family member
- A work colleague
- A church or community leader
- A group administrator
- A customer or supplier
- A bank representative
- Technical support
The scammer’s goal is to create urgency or panic so that you act without thinking.
For example:
“Please send me the code urgently. I need it to verify something.”
Stop and think before responding.
2. Fake verification requests
A scammer may attempt to register your phone number on their device. WhatsApp then sends the legitimate six-digit verification code to your phone. The scammer doesn’t have the code, so they contact you and try to convince you to provide it. Once they enter the code, they may be able to register your WhatsApp account on their device.
3. Fake WhatsApp support
Scammers may impersonate WhatsApp support and claim that your account has a problem. They may tell you that your account is about to be suspended or that you need to verify your identity. They then ask for your verification code or other sensitive information. Treat unexpected messages claiming to be “support” with extreme caution.
4. WhatsApp Web and linked devices
Your account can also be exposed if someone gains access to your phone and links another device to your WhatsApp account. Regularly check your Linked Devices and remove anything you do not recognise.
What can happen after your WhatsApp is hijacked?
A compromised WhatsApp account is not just an inconvenience.
A scammer may:
- Send messages pretending to be you
- Ask your contacts for money
- Contact your customers or business partners
- Join or monitor conversations
- Attempt to scam members of your family
- Send malicious links
- Impersonate you in community or workplace groups
- Attempt to compromise other accounts
- Damage your personal or business reputation
How to protect your WhatsApp account
1. Never share your Six-Digit verification code
This is one of the most important rules. Your WhatsApp verification code is private. If somebody asks you to send it to them, don’t. WhatsApp will not require you to give your registration code to another person.
2. Enable Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp provides an additional security layer called Two-Step Verification. You can generally enable it by going to: WhatsApp -> Settings -> Account -> Two-step verification -> Turn on
Create a PIN that other people cannot easily guess and add an email address for account recovery. Two-step verification can make it significantly harder for someone to take control of your account.
3. Check Linked devices
Periodically check which devices are connected to your WhatsApp account. Go to: WhatsApp ->Settings -> Linked Devices
If you see a device you don’t recognise, remove it.
4. Protect your phone
Your WhatsApp security is also connected to the security of your phone.
Use:
- A strong screen lock
- Fingerprint or facial authentication where available
- Automatic device updates
- The latest version of WhatsApp
- Official app stores when installing applications
Avoid leaving your phone unlocked or unattended.
5. Be careful with unexpected messages
Do not automatically trust a message simply because it comes from someone you know. If their behaviour suddenly seems unusual, verify their identity using another method. For example, if a family member suddenly asks you for money through WhatsApp, call them directly using a known phone number.
What if your WhatsApp account has already been hijacked?
If you believe someone has taken over your WhatsApp account, act quickly.
Step 1: Try to register your umber again
Open WhatsApp on your phone and enter your phone number. Request the SMS verification code and enter the legitimate code sent to your phone. This can log the other person out of the account.
Step 2: Don’t give anyone your code
Even if the scammer contacts you and claims they need another code, do not provide it.
Step 3: Re-enable Two-Step Verification
Once you regain access, enable two-step verification if it was not already enabled.
Step 4: Check linked devices
Review your linked devices and remove anything you do not recognise.
Step 5: Warn your contacts
Let your family, friends, colleagues and customers know that your account was compromised. This is particularly important if the attacker has already sent messages asking people for money. A simple warning can prevent your contacts from becoming victims.
Step 6: Secure your other accounts
If you shared passwords, personal information or other sensitive information through the compromised account, consider whether those accounts could also be at risk. Change passwords where necessary and enable multi-factor authentication.
What If I didn’t have Two-Step Verification enabled?
Don’t panic. If your WhatsApp account has been hijacked, you can still attempt to recover it by registering your phone number again using the SMS verification code.
However, recovery can become more complicated if the attacker has enabled two-step verification on the account. This is why enabling your own two-step verification before something goes wrong is so important.
The biggest warning signs
Be suspicious if:
- Someone suddenly asks you for a WhatsApp code.
- You receive a verification code you did not request.
- Someone claiming to be support contacts you unexpectedly.
- A friend asks for money through WhatsApp unexpectedly.
- You are suddenly logged out of WhatsApp.
- Your contacts tell you that your account is sending strange messages.
- You see an unfamiliar device under linked devices.
- Someone creates a sense of urgency and tells you not to think or verify the request.
Remember: Do not let urgency make the decision for you
Cybercriminals often rely on psychology rather than sophisticated technology. They want you to react quickly. Take a moment.
Stop. Think. Verify.
If someone asks for a verification code, password, PIN or other sensitive information, do not provide it simply because they sound convincing. Verify the request through another trusted channel.
Protect your business
For businesses, WhatsApp hijacking can have serious consequences. Employees should understand that attackers may target them because their WhatsApp accounts provide access to customers, suppliers, colleagues and business groups.
Businesses should consider:
- Security awareness training
- Multi-factor authentication wherever available
- Strong account recovery processes
- Regular review of linked devices
- Clear procedures for reporting suspicious messages
- Verification procedures for financial requests
- Regular cybersecurity awareness sessions
Cybersecurity is not only an IT responsibility.
Everyone who uses your organisation’s technology plays a role in keeping it secure.
Final thoughts
WhatsApp hijacking can happen to anyone. However, a few simple security habits can significantly reduce your risk.
Remember these five rules:
1. Never share your WhatsApp verification code.
2. Enable Two-Step Verification.
3. Check your linked devices regularly.
4. Be cautious of unexpected requests and social engineering.
5. If your account is compromised, act quickly and warn your contacts.
Your account is valuable. Your contacts, conversations and identity are worth protecting.
Need help improving your Cybersecurity?
At TechnoFin, we help individuals and businesses understand technology risks and improve their cybersecurity practices.
If you need help with cybersecurity awareness, Microsoft 365 security, account protection, IT support or business technology, contact the TechnoFin Consultancy team for assistance.
